Muster
'mʌstər
Definitions
3 meaningsTo gather or assemble (troops, people, etc.), often for a specific purpose such as inspection, roll call, or action.
'mʌstər
To assemble or gather (troops, people, etc.)
The captain mustered the crew before the voyage.
💡 Simply: Think of it like calling everyone together, like when your teacher calls the class to the front.
👶 For kids: To get everyone together in one place.
More Examples
They mustered all available resources to fight the fire.
The teacher mustered the students for the field trip.
How It's Used
"The general ordered the soldiers to muster in the courtyard."
"The school musters all students in the auditorium for the assembly."
To summon up a feeling, attitude, or quality, such as courage or strength.
'mʌstər
To summon up (a feeling, courage, etc.)
She mustered all her strength to lift the heavy box.
💡 Simply: It's like finding the strength to do something difficult, like gathering your bravery.
👶 For kids: To find something inside you, like courage.
More Examples
He mustered a polite response to the rude comment.
The team mustered the necessary effort to win the game.
How It's Used
"She mustered her courage before speaking to the crowd."
"He mustered a smile despite the bad news."
A formal gathering or assembly, particularly of troops for inspection or roll call.
'mʌstər
An assembly or collection (of people, troops, etc.)
The troops lined up for the morning muster.
💡 Simply: It’s like a roll call or a meeting where everyone is supposed to be.
👶 For kids: When everyone gets together to see who's there.
More Examples
The company conducted a daily muster of employees.
The town held a muster to prepare for the festival.
How It's Used
"The troops were present at the morning muster."
"The students attended the annual school muster."
Synonyms
Assemble
Collect
Convene
Gather
Draw
Assembly
Collection
Gathering
Idioms & expressions
pass muster
To be considered acceptable or satisfactory.
"The project had to pass muster with the board of directors."
From Middle English *mostren*, from Old French *mostrer* ('to show, display'), from Latin *monstrare* ('to show, point out').
Historically used in military contexts to describe assembling troops and conducting inspections.
Memory tip
Imagine a military officer shouting 'MUST-HER!,' summoning troops to form a line.